Alan Hale Jr. Wasn’t Only The Beloved Skipper On Gilligan’s Island, He Also Led A Fun And Amazing Life

Alan Hale Jr. was a beloved actor who is best known for his role as the Skipper on "Gilligan’s Island." During his 55-year career, he was always winning people over with his quick jokes and playful smile. From the time he was born in 1921 until he died in 1990 at 68 years old, he was always able to bring joy to the lives of those he met. That’s why we took the time today to look back over his wonderful life!

1. In the 1970s, Alan opened his very own restaurant! He called it the Lobster Barrel, and it was located on Hollywood’s ‘Restaurant Row’ on La Cienega Boulevard. The restaurant remained open for 15 years, and no one is quite sure what caused its closing. While the restaurant was open, he would often greet customers dressed in the Skipper’s hat, and was always more than happy to give autographs!

2. When he left the restaurant business, he started a new company that could not have been more perfect for him. He started Alan Hale’s Quality and Leisure Travel Office, where he arranged boat cruises! Thankfully, he was careful not to arrange any three-hour tours from Honolulu!

3. He guest starred on the "Batman" episode, “The Ogg and I” in which he played a diner cook named Gilligan! The episode starred Vincent Price as Egghead. When the police chief enters the diner, Alan Hale comes out of the kitchen, and the chief says to him, “Right, Gilligan, one large milk and a hot pastrami.”

4. He served in the United States Coast Guard from 1942 to 1945, during World War II. During his time serving, he earned the rank of Seaman E-3. When he passed away in 1990, he chose to have his ashes scattered over his truest love of all, the Pacific Ocean.

5. His father was Rufus Edward McKahan, who went by the stage name of Alan Hale. When Alan Jr. was born on March 8, 1921, his father began to go by the name of Alan Hale Sr. Alan Sr. appeared in over 235 films, as both a leading man in silent films and a supporting actor in sound movies. When Alan Sr. passed away in 1950, Alan Jr. dropped the junior part from his name and went only by Alan Hale.